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Crews Search For Missing Kayaker In Lake Ronkonkoma

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LAKE RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Police launched a search Thursday afternoon for a man in Lake Ronkonkoma on Long Island, who reportedly tipped over in his kayak and never resurfaced.

As Joe Biermann reported from Chopper 2, authorities said a man was reported in the lake around 3:30 p.m. in the lake.

Officials told CBS 2’s Jessica Schneider the man was in his 40s and was a regular at the lake. He went out in his kayak around 3 p.m. and someone saw the kayak tip over, but the man never resurfaced, officials said.

According to police, several Good Samaritans tried to help the man, who as yelling for help, but lost sight of him.

A witness then called 911.

Police found a backpack they believed to belong to the man. It had narcotics and alcohol inside, and it was suspected that the man might have been under the influence, officials told Schneider.

Police also found the kayak, which had a hole in it, officials told Schneider.

Multiple boats divers were sent to the south end of the lake for the search, Biermann reported.

Crews in rafts and first responders walking along the shoreline were also seen at the scene, Biermann reported.

The search continued late Thursday afternoon, and the man was not believed to be alive.